Tag: Lubricant

Found naturally in both animal fats and vegetable oils like cocoa butter, stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid with a surprisingly wide range of applications. So, what is stearic acid good for, and why is it so ubiquitous across so many industries, from personal care to manufacturing?

While often confused with bulking agents, magnesium stearate is primarily used as a lubricant and flow agent in supplements and medications to ensure a smooth manufacturing process. However, in cosmetics and other specific applications, it can also function as a bulking agent. This multifunctional ingredient is crucial for producing consistent and high-quality products.

According to the National Capital Poison Center, baby oil is a hydrocarbon and can be dangerous if swallowed due to aspiration risks. This fact is a critical indicator of why baby oil is not a food grade mineral oil and should never be used on surfaces that come into contact with food.

Over 50 years of use in the food and supplement industries have established magnesium stearate as a reliable additive. A common excipient and food additive, this fine, white powder is included for crucial functions in manufacturing, such as preventing ingredients from sticking together.

Food grade mineral oil is a highly refined petroleum-derived product, purified so extensively that it is non-carcinogenic and chemically inert, making it safe for direct or indirect food contact. This high level of purification is the primary factor in determining what is considered food grade mineral oil, distinguishing it from industrial variants.

According to some industry estimates, counterfeit lubricants account for a significant portion of the market, putting countless vehicles at risk. Knowing how to check if oil is original is a crucial skill for every motorist to safeguard their engine and investment.

According to the World Health Organization, highly refined mineral oils are classified as Group 3 non-carcinogenic, yet confusing them with cooking fats can have serious health consequences. Knowing the difference between mineral oil and edible oil is crucial for both industrial safety and food preparation at home.

Maize oil, also known as corn oil, is an inexpensive and widely available vegetable oil extracted from corn germ. While its high smoke point makes it a favorite for frying in many kitchens, its applications stretch far beyond culinary uses to include industrial and personal care products.

Mineral oil is completely indigestible and is not absorbed by the intestines. Although it is a petroleum byproduct, purified food-grade mineral oil is used in medicine and as a food additive due to its inert properties. This unique characteristic explains why your body does not digest mineral oil, but instead passes it through the digestive tract relatively unchanged.

According to a 2018 study, extra virgin olive oil is one of the most stable and safest cooking oils available, with its consumption linked to numerous health benefits. However, the question of "Is olive oil safe to put inside you?" carries different considerations depending on whether you mean for dietary consumption or topical use.